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Oregon State Football Fall Camp Notes Day #2

Salem-News.com Sports

Sophomore safety A.J. Hedgecock, who missed the 2013 season due to a shoulder injury, has elected to leave the program.

It’s only day two of fall camp and the media has focused its attention on the passing game in the early going and despite the repeated answers of head coach Mike Riley and postseason awards candidate quarterback Sean “The Machine” Mannion that sophomore flanker Victor Bolden was a big part of that answer the questions keep coming. Photo Courtesy: Oregon State Athletics

(CORVALLIS, Ore. ) - It’s only day two of fall camp and the media has focused its attention on the passing game in the early going and despite the repeated answers of head coach Mike Riley and postseason awards candidate quarterback Sean “The Machine” Mannion that sophomore flanker Victor Bolden was a big part of that answer the questions keep coming.

On Tuesday Bolden, who is a candidate for the Paul Hornung Award, showed that the potential is there to provide big plays for the Beavers.

We all knew Bolden was fast, but Tuesday that speed was once again on display. During the teams’ brief 7-on-7 period, Bolden lined up against Nagurski Trophy candidate Steven Nelson and got behind the senior corner to grab a bomb from Mannion with Nelson draped all over him. Bolden was also a focus in the short passing game throughout the practice period.

In truth – and as Mannion has said time and again – no single player needs to replace 2013 Biletnikoff Award winner Brandin Cooks, but rather the production needs to be replaced. The tight end position is one that will likely pick up some of that production as well.

Starters Connor Hamlett and Caleb Smith both battled injuries in 2013 but are poised for a big season. In addition, a collection of less experienced receivers are battling to establish a role for playing time including Kendall Hill, Jordan Villamin, Hunter Jarmon, Malik Gilmore, Blair Cavanaugh, Rahmel Dockery, Datrin Guyton, Tanner Sanders, Xavier Hawkins, Drew Kell and Gabe Ovgard.

Another bright spot on the offense Tuesday was senior tight end transfer Jacob Wark who hauled in a pass over the shoulders of linebacker D.J. Alexander. Wark is filling in nicely at tight end following the retirement of Tyler Perry over the summer.

More roster housekeeping came after practice.

Sophomore safety A.J. Hedgecock, who missed the 2013 season due to a shoulder injury, has elected to leave the program.